Chemical tank in Garden Grove at 92 degrees Tuesday a.m. as crews work to lower temperature
Orange County Register • • nation
Key Points:
- The temperature of an overheated chemical tank at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove remained stable at 92 degrees as firefighters scaled back water spraying, aiming to monitor temperature changes without active cooling.
- Approximately 16,000 residents remain evacuated after officials reduced the evacuation zone, stating the risk of a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE) has been averted, though a crack in the tank continues to release pressure.
- Water used to cool the tank drains into storm systems leading to the ocean, with authorities conducting contamination tests and using spill-containment barriers to capture any pollutants.
- GKN Aerospace emphasized ongoing collaboration with emergency and environmental agencies, confirming no leaks or contamination so far and prioritizing community safety amid the incident.
- The chemical involved, methyl methacrylate (MMA), is highly toxic and can cause respiratory and skin irritation; it is used in aerospace coatings but banned in California nail salons since 2015.